Export & Import Playbook

Export & Import Playbook

A practical guide to importing Canadian maple syrup: Incoterms, documentation, and customs considerations.

Understanding Incoterms

How shipping terms affect your costs and responsibilities

Documentation Checklist

What's provided by us vs. what you need to arrange

Document

Purpose

Provided By

Who This Guide Is For

This playbook is for importers, distributors, and trading companies sourcing bulk maple syrup from Canada for international markets.

Specs to confirm: Grade, volume, organic status, destination port, preferred Incoterms, required certifications.

FOB (Free on Board)

Seller delivers goods to the port of origin. Buyer arranges and pays for ocean freight, insurance, and destination logistics.

Experienced importers with existing freight relationships

CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight)

Seller arranges and pays for freight and insurance to the destination port. Buyer handles customs clearance and inland transport.

Buyers who want a simpler import process

DAP (Delivered at Place)

Seller delivers goods to the buyer's specified location. Buyer handles import clearance and duties.

Buyers wanting door-to-door simplicity

Commercial Invoice

Declares value, quantity, and terms of sale for customs

Packing List

Itemizes contents of each pallet/container

Bill of Lading (B/L)

Shipping contract and proof of shipment

Certificate of Origin

Confirms Canadian origin for preferential duty treatment

Phytosanitary Certificate

Required by some countries for food imports

Certificate of Analysis (COA)

Lab results confirming grade, density, and quality

Import License

Required by buyer in some countries before importing

Customs Declaration

Buyer files at destination port for clearance

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